Following my visit to Singapore’s Chinatown, I set out to see the country’s official tourism icon—the Merlion—located near the mouth of the Singapore River. On the way to Merlion Park, I enjoyed a scenic stroll along the river, flanked by the towering skyscrapers of Raffles Place, the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD). This area, part of the Downtown Core within the Central Area, is widely recognized as the nation's main financial and commercial hub. Many of Singapore’s tallest buildings and most iconic landmarks are concentrated here. Among them are Guoco Tower (283.7 meters), the tallest building in Singapore, located nearby in Tanjong Pagar, and a trio of 280-meter giants in Raffles Place: UOB Plaza One, Republic Plaza, and One Raffles Place. The latter, originally known as OUB Centre, was completed in 1986 and briefly held the title of the tallest building in the world outside North America until 1989. These skyscrapers are home to major financial institutions and global corporations, a testament to Singapore’s status as a leading global financial hub. The area also hosts the headquarters of Singapore’s three largest financial institutions: DBS Bank, UOB, and OCBC. Many other multinational and regional companies have also chosen to base their offices here, solidifying Raffles Place as the economic engine of the nation. Looking up at the gleaming glass towers and the bustling pace of the modern-day CBD, it’s hard to imagine that this vibrant district had far humbler beginnings. Yet its roots can be traced back more than two centuries to the ambitious vision of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore.
 |
| The "First Generation" sculpture by Chong Fah Cheong was commissioned in 2000 |
 |
| One Raffles Place, Republic Plaza, and OUB Centre tower behind the historic Cavenagh Bridge |
Just like the historical development of Chinatown mentioned in the previous post, the establishment of this commercial zone on the south bank of the Singapore River was also a key element of Sir Stamford Raffles’ 1822 Town Plan. In his detailed urban blueprint, Raffles envisioned designated zones for administration, trade, and ethnic communities—ensuring an orderly and functional colonial town. Despite initial objections from Singapore’s first British Resident, William Farquhar, who believed the area was unsuitable due to its swampy terrain and would require extensive land reclamation, the plan moved forward. Between 1822 and 1823, Singapore embarked on its first land reclamation project, a monumental effort for its time. Hills in the area, including parts of Mount Wallich, were leveled, and the soil was used to reclaim the southern riverbank—forming what would become the city's main commercial district. This reclaimed land became home to the Commercial Square, the precursor to modern-day Raffles Place, while Boat Quay developed slightly further upstream as a key docking and trading area. The commercial transformation was further fueled by Raffles’ earlier and visionary declaration of Singapore as a free port in 1819, which removed trade tariffs and attracted merchants from across the region and beyond. As ships began docking along the Singapore River, the square bustled with activity—from merchant houses and godowns (warehouses) to money changers and shipping agents. In 1858, the square was renamed Raffles Place in honor of the city’s founder. Over the decades, it rapidly evolved into a financial and trading powerhouse. Banks, insurance firms, and corporate offices began populating the area, cementing its role as the commercial heart of the colony. Notably, upmarket department stores such as Robinson’s and John Little opened their flagship outlets here, offering imported European merchandise and becoming popular with both expatriates and affluent locals. The area’s transformation from a reclaimed patch of swampy land into a thriving business district underscores Singapore’s strategic planning and entrepreneurial spirit—traits that continue to define the city-state today.
 |
| Cavenagh Bridge was open only to pedestrians, with a historic sign still forbidding carriages and cattle |
 |
| Anderson Bridge, built in 1910, links the Civic District to the commercial heart of Singapore |
As I continued my walk along the Singapore River, I couldn’t help but notice several life-sized bronze sculptures that adorned the promenade—each one capturing a unique scene from Singapore’s past. One of the most delightful is the “First Generation” sculpture by Chong Fah Cheong, depicting a group of young boys playfully jumping into the river. The carefree moment it immortalizes is a nostalgic tribute to a time when the river was not only a commercial lifeline but also a place of everyday life and leisure. These sculptures are part of a larger Open-Air Sculpture Trail project initiated by the Singapore Tourism Board along the riverbanks, aimed at celebrating Singapore’s social and economic history through art. Other statues nearby portray street vendors, traders, and early immigrants, offering visitors a vivid window into the lives of those who once built their livelihoods along this historic waterway. My walk then took me across two of Singapore’s most iconic bridges. The first was Cavenagh Bridge, built in 1869, which is the oldest surviving bridge in its original form across the Singapore River. Named after Major General William Orfeur Cavenagh, the last Governor of the Straits Settlements appointed by the East India Company, this cast iron suspension bridge was once a key connection between the north and south banks of the city. A short distance away lies the more ornate Anderson Bridge, constructed in 1910. It replaced an earlier bridge to accommodate heavier traffic and now serves as a grand passage into the civic district. Both bridges, with their colonial charm and architectural significance, are conserved as national monuments and serve as silent witnesses to Singapore’s journey from trading post to global city.
 |
| The iconic Fullerton Hotel was once Singapore’s General Post Office built in 1928 |
 |
| It now stands as a grand heritage hotel amid the modern skyscrapers of the business district |
As I approached the mouth of the Singapore River, the grand Fullerton Hotel came into view, standing proudly at the river’s edge. This beautiful neoclassical building, once the General Post Office and completed in 1928, is now a luxury heritage hotel that exudes old-world charm. With its white façade, towering columns, and rich history, the Fullerton presents a striking contrast to the sleek glass-and-steel skyscrapers that soar behind it in Raffles Place—a symbolic meeting point of Singapore’s colonial past and its modern financial prowess. Just across the river, the distinctive domes of the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay catch the eye. Often affectionately called “the durians” because of their spiky architectural design, the Esplanade is one of Singapore’s premier arts venues, hosting concerts, theatre productions, and festivals. The co-existence of the Fullerton, the surrounding high-rises, and the futuristic Esplanade creates a fascinating visual narrative of Singapore’s transformation—where heritage, commerce, and culture converge along the riverfront. As I continued my walk toward Merlion Park, I couldn't help but reflect on how the Singapore River is more than just a waterway—it’s a living corridor of history, commerce, and culture. From heritage bridges and bronze sculptures to towering skyscrapers and performing arts landmarks, every step along the river tells a story of transformation. What was once a bustling trade artery for early settlers has become a dynamic symbol of Singapore’s evolution—honoring its past while embracing the future. With the Merlion just ahead, I looked forward to ending my riverside stroll at the very icon that represents the spirit of this remarkable city-state.
 |
| The Esplanade, opened in 2002, stands out across the river with its iconic durian-shaped domes |
Singapore River Walk
Raffles Place
Location Raffles Place, Singapore
Opening Hours
Daily, 24 hours (public areas)
Shops, eateries and offices may have their own operating hours
Comments
Post a Comment